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Hill family finds Simbrah a perfect fit

published: May 23rd 2008
source: American Simbrah Breeders

Simbrah cattle have been a perfect fit for the Hill family. They have found the cattle to be tough enough to survive rugged terrain, heat and humidity, as well as provide strong maternal traits for growth and longevity, have desired marketability, plus the breed provides a great atmosphere for showing and developing leadership skills for the youngest generation of the family.

The family includes Robert and Annette, and their four children and their families and in addition to the ranch, the family runs an air conditioning business with stores in Austin and Georgetown. They operate as Hill’s H-6 Simbrah Ranch, with Jarrell, Texas as the headquarters.

Robert and Annette joined her dad in his cattle operation in the 1970’s. It included Red Brangus and then a neighboring Simmental bull jumped the fence and the resulting two calves convinced them Simbrah was the breed they needed.

They began acquiring Simbrah genetics and at one time built the herd up to almost 150 females. Then the droughts hit and they scaled back to about 75 females and have concentrated on quality. They have also initiated an AI program and have selected their top cows for limited embryo transfer.

“We select cattle based on quality and temperament as this is important to us as the kids (or grandkids for Robert and Annette) are or will be involved in showing, and weaning weights are important as we want our calves weighing 700 lbs. at seven months. We also select for polled cattle,” describes son Danny, who is the most active with the cattle.

Their initial purchases included some from the R.A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton, Texas, Tom Risinger and also Triple S Ranch, Liberty Hill, Texas. A bull they purchased from Triple S, TSC Showcase, who was a product of the popular and proven Nile King and Memphis bloodlines, heavily influences their herd. They are now utilizing the services of an Ocho son, they purchased from the Vela family and they have a Triple S, Black Perfecto son, at work in the herd.

“The Ocho son has really added some meat to our calves and our bull buyers really like these calves. We are real excited about the future calf crops as we just purchased half interest in the Black Perfecto son, “ adds Danny.

They market the majority of their cattle through private treaty, but also participate in the Simbrah Alliance Sale, held annually each fall. This year they are planning to offer select herd bulls and a couple of top show prospects in this sale.

Danny and wife, Nikole’s children are the oldest in the clan that includes 13 grandchildren. Their daughters Kindell and Callie have been showing Simbrah for a few years now, and brother Tate has joined them. They have had great success showing H6 bred heifers and are very active in the Texas Junior Simmental/Simbrah Association.

The family concludes that Simbrah was the right choice years ago and continues to be and they have thoroughly enjoyed the cattle, the people involved in the breed and the avenue it provides for them to spend family time together.